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I used to be incapable of crying during movies, even at classic Hallmark moments. I would stare, in amusement, at the people around me who had yet to adapt my Samurai approach. Fortunately, I did at some point acquire a heart, and can now muster a little eye hydration here and there.

At work, I am writing an article on the history of an NIH building, and it requires some digging. Last week, I spent a day scouring past issues of the NIH Alumni magazine, a well-composed publication that sadly is no longer in circulation, looking for leads on any researchers who worked, or scientific discoveries made, in this building. Though tangent to my search, I came across an article on “The Rocket Boys of NIH.” On February 9, 1957, 9-year-old Terence Boylan sent the following note to the NIH:

Dear Sir

My friend and I are very interested in space travel and have a great idea for a rocket ship. We were wondering if we could have a little sum of money ($10.00) to fulfill our project. We would [be] most grateful if you would send it to us.

Sincerely,

Terence Boylan

Pretty cute, right? Asking the National Institutes of Health for ten bucks to build a rocket. But there’s more to the story: Terence wanted to build the rocket with his next-door neighbor and best friend, Bruce Cook, who had a severe case of cerebral palsy that left him paralyzed in all limbs except his left arm. When I read Terence’s description of his friendship with Bruce, that’s when I teared up a little: “He was just my best friend and playmate,” said Terence. “I’d go over to his house, grab his wheelchair, and push him down the street into our little village. We just hung-out together all the time.”I could, and have, read those sentences over and over. Really, friendship is a rare thing – how many people in your life do you just love, no matter what?

Most of us are probably not best friends with someone severely handicapped, as in the case of Terence and Bruce. But I think anytime you choose your friend despite his or her setbacks, it’s somewhat equivalent. Probably other kids were harsher towards Bruce than was Terence. And every time Terence wheeled Bruce into town he was defending their friendship – publicly, shamelessly proclaiming that the person he had the best time with was Bruce, and not the star football player or the prettiest girl in his class.

So if your sister is your best friend, the next time your mom criticizes her, because she needs someone to vent to, don’t use it as an opportunity to also vent. Defend her, even if your mom has a legitimate point. Because at the end of the day, your sister matters to you so much more than her faults.

And now let’s transition onto “food friends” – my besties are pretzels. I would defend them against my mother, should the occasion arise. Here are my favorite combos: